TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested the secretary-general of an organization in Shinjuku Ward that provides consulting services for troubled persons over the alleged possession of cocaine, reports NHK (May 19).
On Sunday night, Yoshihide Tanaka, the 44-year-old secretary-general of Nippon Kakekomidera (Japan Refuge), is alleged to have been in possession of a bag of cocaine in his wallet in Shinjuku Ward.
Upon his arrest on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act, Tanaka admitted to the allegations. “I kept it for my own use,” he said.
Police also arrested a woman in her 20s who was with Tanaka for allegedly using cocaine.
The cocaine was discovered when police officers questioned the two suspects.
The arrested woman received consultations from Japan Refuge. Police are now investigating the possibility that Tanaka encouraged her to use the illegal drug.
Yoshihide Tanaka (X)Poverty and drug abuse
According to its website, Nippon Kakekomidera has been operating under its current name since 2011. Located in the Kabukicho red-light district, it provides advice on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, school refusal, poverty and drug abuse.
It recently has also provided support to young people known as “Toyoko Kids,” who congregate in Kabukicho.
Hidemori Gen, the founder of Nippon Kakekomidera, told NHK, “We are sorry for betraying the trust placed in the organization.”
AloJapan.com